CLEVELAND – (April 15, 2025) Birds in flight, epic landscapes, and intimate moments of nature’s wildest creatures—these are just a few of the awe-inspiring scenes captured in the 2024 Audubon Photography Awards, coming to life in a free public exhibit touring libraries across Ohio this spring and summer.
Presented by Audubon Great Lakes and local Audubon chapters throughout the state, the exhibit will kick off at Avon Lake Public Library on April 1, 2025, in partnership with Black River Audubon Society. The collection will then travel through Cleveland, Canton, Akron, Columbus, Parma, and Cincinatti offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking bird photography in the world—all free of charge.
The exhibit features nationally celebrated, award-winning images from the National Audubon Society’s prestigious annual competition, showcasing the incredible artistry and timing of bird photographers across North America from professionals, amateurs and young people. From snow-covered owls to hummingbirds mid-flight, each photo tells a story of resilience, beauty, and the critical need to protect the natural habitats that birds depend on.
“This exhibit is a wonderful example of how local Audubon chapters create meaningful experiences for their communities,” said Mark Demyan, President of the Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters and board member at Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland. “By sharing the joy of birds through powerful imagery, we’re helping more people feel connected to nature and inspired to protect it.”
The 2024 contest featured stunning work that highlights the beauty of birds and the joy of capturing that through photographs and videos. Judges awarded nine prizes, including the new Birds in Landscapes Prize for the top image depicting the relationship between birds and their surroundings. Winning entries and honorable mentions were chosen from more than 2,300 entrants from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 9 Canadian provinces and 1 territory.
“The Audubon Photography Awards highlight the intersection of art and conservation,” said Rob Swindell, Executive Director of Black River Audubon Society. “We are thrilled to bring these remarkable images to Avon Lake, inspiring people to connect with birds and nature through the power of photography.”
New this year, the 2025 Audubon Photography Awards is expanding to include submissions from Chile and Colombia in addition to the United States and Canada. The contest’s expanded scope and set of new prizes will amplify Audubon's unified hemispheric approach to bird conservation and highlight how birds bring people together across geographies and ecosystems
Exhibit Tour Schedule:
APRIL 2025
Black River Audubon Society
Venue: Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, OH 44012
MAY 2025
Audubon Society of Ohio
Venue: Cincinnati Main Library, 800 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
JUNE 2025
Canton Audubon Society
Venue: Stark Co District Library, 715 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702
JULY 2025
Greater Akron Audubon Society
Venue: Akron Public Library, 60 S High St, Akron, OH 44326
AUGUST 2025
Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland
Venue: TBD
SEPTEMBER 2025
Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society
Venue: Cuyahoga County Public Library, 6996 Powers Blvd, Parma, OH 44129
OCTOBER 2025
Columbus Audubon Society
Venue: TBD
You can view the 2024 Audubon Photography Award Winners. To learn more about Audubon Great Lakes, please visit gl.audubon.org.
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About Audubon Great Lakes
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org.
